This course provides students with training in research principles and methods especially as they relate to practice-led research. The course covers research writing modes and methods, studio investigative processes and methodologies, and critical thinking. Students will experiment with skills relevant to individual research projects.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

Upon Successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Devise, plan and execute a body of studio investigations.
2. Select and combine materials and processes skilfully to give visual form to ideas.
   
3. Develop a studio-based methodology relevant for a specified topic.
   
4. Apply progressive research questions to studio investigations.
   
5. Identify and describe relevant historical and contemporary practices and relate them to the project's concerns by integrating studio and contextual investigation/research.
   
6. Explain and provide a rationale for the practice-led research project.

Research-Led Teaching

In Research Methods and Processes 1 students will expand and develop their writing skills, learning how to describe, analyse and evaluate their own work and the work of others in writing. They will practice exegetical and research writing modes and will develop critical and reflective thinking in relation to their own work, and to the work of others. 

Students are encouraged to consider how their chosen themes or subjects might lead them to explore the language and potential of studio-based research in new and significant ways. They will learn to articulate how their material choices give rise to different readings, and how their practice-based research can be contextualised both historically and in the contemporary field.

This course is aimed at developing skills relevant to all disciplines in the Honours cohort and provides examples to model how practice-led research is carried out. It is not individualised or discipline-based teaching. Students are required to be open and curious and to apply examples laterally to their own discipline and individual research projects.

Field Trips

No field trips are mandatory however in week 1 intensive we will be visiting Canberra museum and Gallery and or Craft ACT as part of our formal analysis exercise. Each facility has full access for those with special needs relating to access off buildings

Additional Course Costs

As part of this class the students works on their self-directed project for the CASS Thesis course. There may be costs associated with these projects.

Required Resources

Students are required to provide their own materials for their studio projects. There are no additional materials fees for the Research Methods and Processes 1 Seminar class. Each Workshop will have access fees specific to each discipline. Please refer to individual workshops.

Recommended Resources

Students are to write and submit the Exegesis in electronic form. It is recommended that the students either have their own computers or use the Information Commons computers to work. Information and resources will be posted regularly.

Staff Feedback

Students are expected to participate by completing preparatory tasks as required and by being active in discussion in class and studio feedback sessions. The writing tasks will be outlined and worked on during in the All Honours classes and Workshop Seminar Sessions. If you choose not to attend these you will disadvantage yourself as information on the standard of work and course expectations will be modelled and demonstrated during these classes. Feedback on individual writing will be given as appropriate.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Assessment of Studio Investigations will be in the Exam Period. 

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	RMP 1 Intensive - Monday 10 -1, 2-4:30; Tuesday 9-30-12:30; Friday, 9:30 -1 see Wattle for rooms
2	RMP 1 Intensive - Monday 10 -1, 2-4:30; Tuesday 9-30-12:30; Friday, 9:30 -1 see Wattle for rooms
3	No All Honours class - Workshop Group Seminars Wednesday 9-10:30 Convenor Consultation hours Wednesday 2:30 – 4 by appointment
4	No All Honours class - Workshop Group Seminars Wednesday 9-10:30 Convenor Consultation hours Wednesday 2:30 – 4 by appointment
5	No All Honours class - Workshop Group Seminars Wednesday 9-10:30 Convenor Consultation hours Wednesday 2:30 – 4 by appointment
6	No All Honours class - Workshop Group Seminars Wednesday 9-10:30 Convenor Consultation hours Wednesday 2:30 – 4 by appointment
7	No All Honours class - Workshop Group Seminars Wednesday 9-10:30 Convenor Consultation hours Wednesday 2:30 – 4 by appointment
8	No All Honours class - Workshop Group Seminars Wednesday 9-10:30 Convenor Consultation hours Wednesday 2:30 – 4 by appointment
9	No All Honours class - Workshop Group Seminars Wednesday 9-10:30 Convenor Consultation hours Wednesday 2:30 – 4 by appointment
10	No All Honours class - Workshop Group Seminars Wednesday 9-10:30 Convenor Consultation hours Wednesday 2:30 – 4 by appointment
11	No class See your supervisor for a time to discuss your draft of your Expanded Proposal
12	No class Expanded Proposal due Monday 8pm	Assessment # 1 Due

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment
Studio Investigations	80 %	06/06/2019	04/07/2019
Expanded Proposal	20 %	29/05/2019	04/07/2019

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students are expected to participate by completing preparatory tasks as required and by being active in discussion in class and studio feedback sessions.

Assessment Task 1

Studio Investigations

Work and tests to be installed in the workshop area. If in progress, work must be installed to give a sense of how it will be displayed when complete. Works in progress and rejects should also be included. New media students must have rendered tests and projects to the stage of its development. The work is marked, and students are encouraged to have developed some work to a finished stage. Work should be accompanied by tests and material that display the contextual research, for example: research journals, books and monographs of artists/designers of interest. Students are given 10 minutes to introduce their project and explain its development. This is followed by 10 minutes of discussion, then 10 minutes of time when the panel and student write up feedback together.

Value: 80%

Marked by panel: Assessment panel 3 people (supervisor, Head of Workshop or Area Convenor, and Honours Convenor Raquel Ormella). 

Assessment Task 2

Expanded Proposal

A 2 to 3 page summary of your project and the progressive questions you have been addressing; and a power point of slides of your work and the work of 3 to 4 artists you are using as your contextual references, with notes; and an annotated bibliography of 5 key texts and reading list. These items will evidence your research topic and the development of your studio-based research. Your discussion needs to focus on describing and evaluating your studio work and providing a contextual research rationale and examples of relevant artists/designers. More information about how to do these tasks will be covered in weeks 7,8, and 9 and in the seminar sessions.

This essay must be submitted to Turnitin and uploaded to the essay portal.

Value: 20%

Marked by panel: Assessment panel 1-2 people, with a selection bench marked submissions marked by 3: SOA&D staff and moderator (Raquel Ormella). 

Rubric

CRITERIA	HD	D	Cr	P	F
Devise, plan and execute a body of studio investigations	A body of work of exceptional quality with a very high level of originality and insightfulness.	A body of work of high quality with a high level of originality and insightfulness.	A competent body of work that has some originality.	Adequate body of work.	Incomplete or flawed body of work or project.
Select and combine materials and processes skilfully to give visual form to ideas.	Exceptionally skilful selection and combination of materials and processes Exceptional presentation of ideas in visual form	High quality selection and combination of materials and processes High quality presentation of ideas in visual form	Competent selection and combination of materials and processes Competent presentation of ideas in visual form	Selection and/or combination of materials and processes evident Adequate presentation of ideas in visual form	Selection and/or combination of materials and processes not adequate Presentation of materials and processes not adequate
Develop a studio-based methodology relevant for a specified topic.	An exceptional level of skills & knowledge astutely applied to develop & articulate the project	Very high level of skills & knowledge applied to develop & articulate the project	Capable application of appropriate skills & knowledge to develop and articulate project	Basic skills & knowledge applied to develop and articulate project.	Appropriate skills & knowledge not evident in developing or articulating project
Apply progressive research questions to studio investigations.	Critical analysis applied to relevant materials, processes and concepts. Demonstrates critical evaluation of work to develop research. Key concepts are clearly explained and critically engaged with	Analysis applied to relevant materials, processes and concepts. Demonstrates sound evaluation of work to develop research. Key concepts are explained but not consistently engaged with.	Processes and concepts are described. Attempts made to analysis, attempts made to evaluation work to develop research. Limited explanation of key concepts. Materials, processes are described	Materials, processes are described, limited evaluation of work to develop research, limited description only of key concepts	Concepts, materials, processes are not described, no evaluation of work to develop research, key not explained
Identify and describe relevant historical and contemporary practices and relate them to the projects concerns by integrating studio and contextual investigation/research.	Highly sophisticated engagement with theoretical research. Critically analyses, and evaluates and synthesises with studio outcomes.	High-level reflection on a range of theoretical issues. Critically analyses and evaluates the studio research.	Shows some developing capacity for theoretical concerns, but limited reflection at this stage. Analyses and attempts to evaluates the studio research	Capacity or interest in theoretical engagement at a basic level, needs to expand horizons to effectively analyse outcomes. Does not evaluate the studio research.	Lack of evidence of reflection on broader theoretical issues. No critical analysis or studio research evaluation.
Explain and provide a rationale for the practice-led research project.	Rationale for studio and contextual investigation / research is exceptional.	Rationale for studio and contextual investigation / research is thorough	Rationale for studio and contextual investigation / research is competent	Rationale for studio and contextual investigation / research is adequate.	Rationale for studio and contextual investigation / research is inadequate

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) as submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

No submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date will be permitted. If an assessment task is not submitted by the due date, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students